Wall outlets are designed to provide electricity for only 2 appliances at the same time. Overloading them is a fire hazard.

Use only 1 plug per outlet. Contact Facilities Management to discuss installation of more outlets if needed.

Report broken or uncovered outlets.

Replace cracked or damaged cords — do not tape over them. Stress where the cord attaches to the plug, or to equipment, causes cracks in the outer insulation. It's only a matter of time until the inner insulation cracks and problems occur.

Do not use outlet adaptors — they can cause the circuit to become overloaded. Multi-plug adapters, such as cube adapters or unfused plug strips, are prohibited in UCSD facilities.

Extension cords are only allowed for temporary use — they may only serve one portable appliance, must be plugged directly into an outlet and must be able to carry enough amperage to run the appliance they are connected to.

Improper use of extension cords and outlet adaptors can present a serious fire safety hazard in the workplace. Non-home electrical fires represented 13% of total 2007-2011 non-home structure fires, 5% of associated civilian deaths, 13% of associated civilian injuries, and 21% of associated direct property damage (National Fire Protection Association). The most common cause of fires from extension cords is improper use and/or overloading, especially when the cord has multiple outlets.

A circuited multiple-outlet power tap may be used if you need to increase electrical supply in your area. These devices have an internal circuit-breaker switch that will stop electrical flow if overloading occurs.

Guidelines for Use of Power Strips

Use only surge protectors or power strips that are “listed” by UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or ELT (Electrical Testing Laboratories). According to the UL listing, instructions for using a power tap includes:

Intended to be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle;

Not intended to be series connected (daisy chained) to other relocatable power taps or to extension cords;

Not intended for use at construction sites and similar locations;

Not intended to be permanently secured to building structures, tables, work benches or similar structures, nor are they intended to be used as a substitute for fixed wiring; and

The cords are not intended to be routed through walls, windows, ceilings, floors or similar openings.

Although relocatable power taps are allowed, use them safely and properly. Check to be certain the markings are readily visible on the back of the strip indicating the name of the manufacturer and testing laboratory used. Power strips are designed for use with small appliances and business machines, do not plug in heavy appliances with high-powered loads. Visually inspect all power strips regularly to ensure they are not pinched, crushed or damaged in any way. If a power strip becomes hot to the touch, unplug it and consult a licensed professional.

Extension cords are intended for temporary use, not for supplying permanent power to tools and appliances. If you must use an extension cord, do the following:

Select the right extension cord.

Answer these 3 questions about the intended use to determine the type, wire size, and length of cord needed for the job:

Is the cord for indoor or outdoor use?

Cords rated for outdoor use can be used both indoors and out, but never use an indoor cord outside.

How much electrical current (typically rated in amperes, or amps) does the tool or appliance require? The amperage requirement determines the wire size needed.

Choose the right wire size for the intended use. Extension cords are rated by wire size, known as gauge. The thicker the wire, the more amps it will carry. Amperage requirements are usually given with the tool or appliance.

A cord's wire thickness is identified by the letters AWG followed by numbers; typically 12, 14, or 16.

On this extension cord, the AWG 12-3 means the wire gauge is 12 and there are 3 wires inside.

In this case, less is more – the lower the number, the thicker the wire.

Be sure the diameter of the extension cord is as large or larger than the cord being plugged into it.

What is the maximum distance the cord will need to extend from the permanent electrical outlet?

Select the right length of cord. The ability of a wire to carry a specific amperage will diminish as its length increases. If you need a lot of amps carried over a long distance, you'll need a heavier gauge wire.

Use the chart below as a guide for selecting an extension cord of appropriate gauge and length for the amperage required.